Welcome to Smoke Signals, IBI's flagship podcast. In today's episode, Tony and Jim begin to focus in on the specific players that could come into focus over the next ten days or so in the starting rotation, as well as the final position battles. Is the #5 slot in the rotation already in Carlos Carrasco's back pocket? Can Josh Tomlin overtake him in the coming days, even though he has options left? Will the veteran leadership of Aaron Harang win the day? Could their be a trade on the way? While it seems set in stone, the discussions centers on just how things could play out by March 31 and beyond.

What about Michael Bourn's injury? Is it significant that Bourn has hurt his hamstring yet again. While he's preaching that it won't effect the beginning of the year, are his hamstring woes something that's becoming far too chronic for a speed guy?

Finally, when might Tony's top prospects book come out, and what can we expect this season?

Click play below, or download to your computer or ipod or iphone so you can listen at your leisure!

User Comments

Jim

March 20, 2014 - 7:47 AM EDT

I actually think I have the phone deal figured out. I ran a test right while I was editing the show, and I got it to work. It was a one in ten "getting it to work" deal...but I did get it to work. By opening day, I'll have it figured out.

Tony

March 20, 2014 - 2:34 AM EDT

Hopefully we get the number situation worked out so some people can call in....also we will note when the show is live for those that want to listen in and such as usual. New format/service we are using now.

Joe Chengery

March 19, 2014 - 9:21 PM EDT

Agree with Walter on letting Bourn's injury- be better to lose him for part or most of April than to have this keep cropping up throughout the whole season, especially if he is to have a bounce back year.

John

March 19, 2014 - 6:32 PM EDT

Love that Smoke Signals

Walter

March 19, 2014 - 5:38 PM EDT

Great Smoke signals podcast. When did the Indians sign the Cuban Yandy Diaz? What position? What makes him a sleeper prospect to watch in near future?

Regarding Bourn , Indians should alow Bourn start on the DL let hamstring heal. Also factor to consider is the cold weather that being predicted for the 1st week of April. Not good for person trying to heal from this injury.